Fall 2006 Issue
Oct/Nov/Dec
"So You Think You Can Dance "Makes Me Think!
By: Nizana
I am not one to watch very much television; I generally don't have the time or the interest. But one night, when the same song on the radio had played for what seemed to be the 500th time that day, I went to flip on a music video my husband had made for me and found "So You Think You Can Dance" before the video kicked on. Thinking it appeared to be a cheesy take off of American Idol, and finding out it comes, in fact, from the same producer, I left it on anyway as background noise as I got some other things done. I did want to see the different styles of dance….and I paid attention off and on. Ok, there were some absolutely terrible dancers, and some really cruel and candid comments from the Judges. But the show made me think….
While some of the "for TV" play-up on things was a little over the top, not only were there some really good dancers, there was also some valid feedback doled out by the Judges, all of who have dance experience. One of the things they said, and granted it wasn't diplomatically put, was that some of them should not be teachers, and in fact, should give the students their money back! With their level and knowledge of dance, I had to agree. There are some "dancers" who should not be teachers. I cringe when I hear of those who just started to learn about ME dance and then jump right in to teach others without providing the cultural background, education or proper posture and technique. There are many things a teacher is responsible for letting the student know about, and the job should be taken seriously.
Another thing that was brought up is how the "dancer" is representing themselves, and someone or something they are standing for, such as their dance style, hometown or teacher. If you put forth a poor representation of the art form, and don't maintain integrity for the dance or yourself, you are doing neither any good. Especially in a cultural art form, it is imperative to treat it with respect. If you're going to put yourself in the position of representing or teaching the dance, then research and study and practice it, and give it your best. A few of the candidates on the show were speaking loudly of representing one thing or another, and when they fell short, they were treated mercilessly. And it really didn't look good…
I enjoyed the reminders about lines and extensions, two things I teach my students, and try to remember myself. Another good piece of advice was to finish the movements! Each movement should be clean and followed through. The tips they gave about dance in general, or when they talked about and demonstrated different styles of dance was educational for all dance styles. They talked a lot about personality, yes, thank you! They emphasized feeling the music, and dancing from deep inside yourself to bring life to the dance.
The dancers that pulled through to the top twenty were judged on a number of things, one of which was personality. I always try to instill that in my troupe and students; have some personality! You gotta remember, some stage situations render the audience only able to see you from the neck up. If you are not passionate about your dance, and look "dead above the head," then all they see is this blank, boring, uninviting face. You gotta emote feeling! Smile, be animated, interact with the audience, and each other if you're not soloing (or the band if you are soloing live.) Use your eyes, draw them in and make them feel a part of it! Be real, feel the music and dance from the heart!
Now, I've caught a second episode, down to the finals of the last 10 couples, seeing the different styles that had to be accomplished in a short time. It made me think of something Jilina said, and that is to study other forms of dance. Many dancers on the show only were familiar with one or two styles, and the different styles tossed at them were foreign to them. I would feel the same way, as I have only studied a couple other styles of dance so far. I love to watch many different styles of dance, but only ME dance has kept close to my heart for me personally. I have studied many different styles within ME dance, and I have no plans to audition for the show…. But for those who take dance to a really high professional, for-a-living level, it couldn't hurt to dabble in other styles!
Ok, so I ended up getting hooked on the show and watched it until the very end, as I really enjoyed the different dance genres. I never saw any ME dance, but I did see quite a variety of dances. I enjoyed studying the choreography, costuming, and the use of the stage, and how the dancers were presenting themselves. Some of the feedback was informative and worth listening to. They were promoting dance in general, and are following up with another TV season and a tour, which is wonderful! Watching the show made me think, and while I can't possibly do half of what the top dancers did, yes, I think I can dance!!
